The Relevance of the Church Today – Can Anyone Be Saved If He or She is Outside of the Church?

The church, in general sense, is a group of people assembled to worship one God. In the Bible, the Church represents the body of Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:23; Col.1:18). It was established by Christ (Matt. 16:18) of which He, himself, is the “head of His own body” (Eph. 5:23; Col.1:18). It is the body which “He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

A. Markings of the Church

1. Jesus Christ is the only and true Founder of the church (Mat. 16:18; I Cor. 3:10). A church, who does not claim Jesus as the Founder, is not the church He built.

2. Jesus is the only Saviour of His body and the only head of the church (Eph. 5:23; Col.1:18). If a church considers another head, it is not His church.

3. It is neither a Catholic, Protestant, nor Orthodox, it is a non – denominational church. The church is one “…upon this rock, I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18).

4. The church should be named after its founder, therefore, it scripturally and properly called the Church of Christ (Rom. 16:16)

5. It was established in 33AD at Jerusalem on the day of the Pentecost (Acts 2:1).

6. The church of Christ has only one source of faith – the Bible (II Tim. 3:16; Psalms 19:7; Eccl.12:13). The Apostles warned the Christians “not to go beyond what is written” (I Cor. 4:6). Any teachings of salvation based on experience, traditions, myths, are not valid. “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31).

B. Who are the members of the church

Since the church is an ABSOLUTE MONARCHY, in terms of government, therefore, the King and the only head of the Kingdom which is also the church is Jesus Christ (Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23; Rev. 17:14). In His kingdom, He appointed Bishops (Elders/Pastors/Shepherds) and Deacons to “flock the church of God (Christ)” (Acts 20:28).

The Leaders of the church

1. Elders (Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:7; I Tim. 3:1-7)

2. Deacons (Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3: 8ff)

3. Evangelists (II Tim. 4:5)

How are the Members called?

1. Saints (Phil. 1:1; Rom. 1:7; I Cor. 1:2)

2. Church/household/the Brethren – all of these words can be found in the whole context of the New Testament.

3. Christians – (Acts 11:26; I Peter 4:16)

C. How does one become member of the church?

One becomes member of the church, the Lord’s body if:

1. He/she heard the gospel of Christ (I Cor. 15:1-4), which is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16) through the word of God, the Bible (Rom. 10:17)

2. He/she believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Lord and Saviour (Acts 8:37; I John 5:7 [King James Version]) that only through Him we Christians will be saved.

3. He/she confess that he/she really accept Him as their Lord (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10).

4. He/she repents. A) Admit that he/she have sinned; b) turn away from evil; c) be with God (Acts 2:38)

5. He/she is baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38). He/she must be immersed in the water as a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Rom. 6:3-4).

a. Baptism – from the Greek word “Baptidzo” meaning “to dip” or “to immerse”

6. He/she remains Faithful until Jesus Christ comes back (Matt. 24:13; Rev. 3:21, 21:7).

D. What is the promise of God to the Church?

“For God so love the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE” – John 3:16 –

E. Conclusion

Therefore, the church is relevant today. Despite of the growth of the denominations, many claim that they are the true church. But “believe not every spirit, but try them whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into this world” (I John 4:1). Test them with the use of your Bible. There is no Salvation outside the church. So why hesitate? Be a member of the church, be saved, and be with God forever in His eternal kingdom.